Texas Frightmare Weekend Announces Headliners

Hello all. For the last five years, Dallas has played host to one of the premiere horror festivals of the Southwest: Texas Frightmare Weekend. This celebration of all that is gory has been one of the premiere congregations of horror stars and personalities and an idyllic setting for horror hounds to meet their idols of terror. The festival also offers fans the opportunity to view props form their most beloved titles; a1958 Plymouth Fury used in the production of Christine tops my list this year. And just viewing isn't enough, you can participate in a memorabilia auction and potentially walk away with Freddy Krueger's iconic sweater. The freaking festival starts with a mass, interactive zombie walk for Carpenter sakes!

A major component of this momentous weekend is the Texas Frightmare Film Festival which has announced three of its headlining features. Jump past the bump for the full story.

Frozen
Dir. Adam Green

I have been chomping at the bit to see this film ever since it played Sundance. Green's freshman effort, Hatchet, made a splash at the 2006 Fantastic Fest here in Austin. The buzz around Frozen has been both impressive and tumultuous, but the consensus seems to be the less you know going into Frozen the better. From the tiny whispers of concept I've ascertained thus far, I have to see this film.

2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams
Dir. Tim Sullivan

I am a gigantic fan of Herschell Gordon Lewis and actually got the chance to meet the Godfather of Gore several years ago. His seminal redneck splatterfest 2000 Maniacs is one of my all-time favorite b-horror films. I have to admit, for its numerous faults, I had a lot of fun with the 2005 remake. I am looking forward to Field of Screams and though my expectations will be decidedly low, I am interested to see a fresh batch of country-fried kills.

Survival of the Dead
Dir. George Romero

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit when I saw it at last year's Fantastic Fest. Romero has, much like George Lucas, created a massive, singular landscape with his original trilogy that he is now revisiting from multiple and culturally evolved perspectives. Is it a perfect film? Not in the slightest. But it explores some interesting angles and amounts to a tremendously entertaining zombie romp. I look forward to seeing Survival of the Dead in a room full of like-minded horrorphiles who will absolutely eat it up.

If you want to take part in the bloody good time that is Texas Frightmare Weekend, the festival runs April 28-May 2, with the film fest occurring April 28 and 29. For full details and tickets, visit the official TFW website.